Billy Joel Can't Drive or Perform Anymore Due to Rare Brain Disorder

Billy Joel has revealed that he can no longer drive or perform after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a rare brain condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up and presses against the brain. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 77-year-old legend said the diagnosis came in 2025, shortly after a fall during a March show at Mohegan Sun. He canceled the remainder of his tour soon after.

Joel underwent brain surgery to implant a shunt, and he says the results were real. His memory, balance, and day-to-day functioning all improved. Still, his neurologist gave him a sobering comparison: every performance he does is like getting a concussion. Because of the condition, he’s also auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles from his personal collection, since riding is no longer safe for him. Further testing will determine whether he can ever return to the stage.

For an artist who has sold more than 150 million records and packed arenas for decades, this is a major turning point, and Joel has been remarkably open about a condition most people have never heard of. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus often goes undiagnosed in older adults, and his willingness to talk about it could help others spot the symptoms earlier. What’s your all-time favorite Billy Joel song? Tell us in the comments.